Some days it's really hard to stay strong. There's just so much bullshit in the world.
I got a letter from my condo board claiming I owe them money. When I check through my bank account, their claim doesn't add up. No doubt they'll find some convoluted accounting reason despite my evidence to the contrary. Problem is that if I don't pay it by Monday I risk being charged upwards of $2,000. See how the little person gets screwed over? Oh, I got the letter yesterday. And they only want to accept certified cheques or bank drafts, which I don't think they are allowed to do. I believe they have to accept payment in any format. If I wanted to pay all in nickels, they have to take it.
Earlier this year they *had* to change banks. What company spontaneously needs to change banks? Then they screwed up taking payments for months on end and we had to give them cheques in payment. All my cheques went through earlier in the year as well. In August, they took 3 payments on the same day to fix the earlier issue and all of mine went through. I wasn't poor then and my bank account never dipped even close to a non-sufficient funds amount.
I've asked them to run the numbers again because there is a line item that never hit my bank account so it's impossible. Also, money was taken out. According to my records they owe me 4 cents.
They emailed back to state just what was in the letter to me, so I sent a copy of my bank statement for the month in question clearly showing their claims to be false.
At the suggestion of friends, I've contacted a pro-bono lawyer to see if I can get help with the matter. My income was slashed in half earlier this year when I was laid off, so I can't afford all this sudden financial bleeding. It's also Christmas time and I still have dad to buy for. Everyone is getting less this year because I just can't afford it.
I'm really hoping they just admit they screwed up and that I don't have to fight them on it. To me, it doesn't seem like they have a leg to stand on, but they're being obstinate about it.
Given all the weird things they've done this year with the financials, I wouldn't be surprised if there is something illegal going on, but the system isn't set up for condo owners to prove fraud easily at all. It's all too easy to get high quotes that make a contractor buddy look good when there are others that do better work for less. It's all too easy to lump a personal purchase in with a condo furniture purchase. It's all too easy to move a charge to a different account, so you don't have to pay for a month of your own fees.
I'll never own a condo again, though my intent wasn't to sell this one, but eventually use it as rental income. We'll see if that is still my plan in the far distant future.
They have apparently sent my bank statement to the accountant. We'll see what the accountant says.
I could use a Christmas miracle right about now.
Ciao,
R~